Online Reporter
Takunda Gambiza and Obey Musiwa
Herald Reporters
The Tourism Business Council of Zimbabwe has hailed the 50 percent reduction in tourism levies, license fees and permits, saying the move will enhance the country’s competitiveness as a prime destination for both tourists and investors.
In a statement read on his behalf by the council’s CEO, Mr Paul Matamisa, at a press conference in Harare on Tuesday, the president, Mr Clive Chinwada, said this initiative is a crucial step towards achieving the Government’s ambitious goal of transforming Zimbabwe into a $5 billion tourism economy by 2030.
“TBCZ came up with a raft of measures meant to deepen and broaden the competitiveness of Destination Zimbabwe as a prime destination both for tourists and for investment in the sector,” he said.
“Government, through an August 26 2025, Cabinet briefing, took a definitive stance on tourism levies, license fees and permits that have been weighing down the tourism industry.”
He emphasised that in the mid-term, the tourism industry is appealing for the Government to put in place lasting measures that will facilitate the industry to contribute more meaningfully to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
The council’s former president, Mr Vengai Nhau, said the review of fees and levies has been a long consultative process between business and Government, dating back to around 2013.
“Although the process seemed slow, the Government needed to carefully balance revenue collection with the ease of doing business,” he said.
“It has been a very long process of concerted effort to ensure that everybody is included and consulted.”
The council appealed for further investment in critical enablers such as road and air infrastructure, reliable power supply and capacitation of national airline Air Zimbabwe to improve connectivity to key destinations like Kariba, Hwange and the Eastern Highlands.
Council vice president, Mr Farai Chimba, commended Air Zimbabwe’s launch of flights to Mutare, saying they will enhance attendance and participation at the Sanganai/Hlanganani/Kumbanayi 2025 Tourism Expo.
“The improved airline access will significantly enhance participation and attendance at the event, particularly for those travelling from distant locations.
“Our current solutions address generator capacity with ZESA, but fail to account for daily fuel costs, prompting a review of cost impacts to support operators struggling with power shortages,” said Mr Chimba.
